Auckland, Aug 4 NZPA - Timeline of the Taito Phillip Field saga.

* Sept 12, 2005 - Television New Zealand reports that Field hired Sunan Siriwan, a Thai man who was facing deportation, to work on his house in Samoa. Field asked then Associate Immigration Minister Damien O'Connor to review the situation, and New Zealand work permits were granted to the man and his wife. Field said there was no connection between the two events.

* Sept 20, 2005 - Prime Minister Helen Clark announces a Queen's Counsel will conduct an inquiry into the allegations against Mr Field. National accuses the prime minister of delaying an investigation because of the election. Field, who strongly denies any wrong-doing, is told to "take a break" from his ministerial duties.

* Sept 21, 2005 - Noel Ingram, QC, is appointed to conduct the inquiry and asked to report back by October 4.

* Oct 4, 2005 - The first deadline comes and goes with Miss Clark saying it will take as long as it takes.

* Oct 20, 2005 - Labour reveals its Cabinet line-up but Field is not given a position.

* May 9, 2006 - Dr Ingram sends a draft report to Field.

* June 6, 2006 - As speculation mounts about the report, Field refuses to say whether he is going to stay with the Labour Party, but Miss Clark says she has "no reason to doubt" the MP's membership.

* July 18, 2006 - Ingram report released. Field says the report exonerates and vindicates him. Opposition parties say it shows Field is corrupt, misled the inquiry and is not fit to be an MP.

* July 22, 2006 - There are reports Field has threatened to leave Labour if he does not get his ministerial portfolios back. Miss Clark says Field's errors of judgment rule that out, but says he remains a loyal party member.

* July 31, 2006 - Police confirm they are investigating a complaint against Field.

* August 30, 2006 - Field issues a statement saying he is innocent, wishes to remain as a Labour MP and challenges his accusers to go to the police.

* August 31, 2006 - Police announce they will investigate all allegations. Field agrees to go on leave until that is completed.

* February 13, 2007 - Labour's hierarchy cuts Field loose after interviews on both TV networks suggesting he might stand for Parliament as an independent if he failed to win Labour selection.

* February, 16 2007 - Field resigns from the Labour Party after being expelled from the party and says he will return to Parliament as an independent.

* March 7, 2007 - Police hand their file to Crown lawyers.

* April 15, 2007 - Field says he is in the process of setting up his own political party focused on family values.

* May 24, 2007 - Police announce they will pursue 14 charges of bribery against Field.

* Dec 17, 2007 - Supreme Court dismisses Field's appeal against High Court decision granting police leave to charge Field with bribery and corruption as an MP.

* Feb 20, 2008 - Field moves to register Pacific Party to contest 2008 election.

* May 9, 2008 - Field committed to trial on 40 charges after four-week depositions hearing.

* Nov 8, 2008 - Labour's Sua William Sio takes Mangere seat from Field by more than 6000 votes.

* April 22, 2009 - Field's trial begins at High Court in Auckland on 12 charges of bribery and corruption as an MP and 23 charges of wilfully attempting to obstruct the course of justice.

* August 4, 2009 - Field found guilty of 11 of the 12 bribery and corruption charges and 15 of 23 of the obstruction of justice charges. He is to be sentenced on October 6.

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